We arrived on Trophy Row about 3:15 in our '67 Dodge Dart 270 after making our stops, Allan was pruning bushes as we turned onto the bricks Gary had his '07 HHR Sherrod parked by the stage with Bill & Doris’ '79 T-Bird parked next to him, Stan & Maryann were next to arrive in their '05 Escape.

We headed to Flippers, Mike greeted us and took care of us until John arrived, it was great to sit outside without bulky layers, the sun was shinning and there was a light breeze exactly the kind of weather we expect at this time of year in Florida. Dave drove by in his '83 Grand Marquis, Lynn in her '49 Ford Pickup, John in his '57 Chevy 210, Mike & Carol in their '74 Dodge Dart. As we walked back to Trophy Row Dave & Jo Ellen arrived in their '63 Avanti, Morgan joined them later. Lori brought out her '06 Dodge Charger, Mark & Dottie joined us in their '27 T Bucket and Bill in his '81 VW Westfalia a cute camper van, Steve & Carolyn were in their '67 Barracuda, Tom & Bunny brought out the '66 Malibu, Elmer was in his '66 Chevy Super Sport, Steve and friends came out for their first Wednesday experience in a '57 Chevy. Juan brought out his '65 Falcon and Juan brought out his '84 El Camino it is hard to keep up with these two at times. Larry, Karen and relatives were out with the "ITZA40", Bert & Ernie brought out the "Elvis Tribute" PT Cruiser, Greg & Carol arrived in the '40 Ford, Rosemary & Dan were in her 2000 Mustang Convertible, Gayle parked his '34 Ford Coupe. Vinny was in his '04 Dakota, Charlie brought out his '02 BMW Mini, John arrived in his '55 Chevy Bel Air, Bill brought out his '67 Chrysler 300 to see what was going on. Tom & Joanne returned to see us in a different car this year a '63 Pontiac, Wilson & Luz were in the '74 Nova, a White ‘39 Chevy visiting from New York and staying in the Villages came to see us but I did not get names – sorry, they brought the car count to 30.

The spectator crowd was growing fast as the “Dukes” set up, Bunny set up the 50/50 table and Rosemary assisted, Tracy was on stand by while keeping an eye on her parents and Scotty was back from his vacation, Gary and Dave were everywhere. The Dukes started their first set as usual at 6:00 pm there were dancers in front of the stage, in the street outside the Tropical Breeze and they overflowed onto the Bricks, 47 couples were counted dancing and we had 44 participants for the Stroll at 7:30 pm (I think it was about 30 last week), Carol and I joined in tonight I need a lot of practice, Tom surprised Bunny and joined in with her. We had dancers from Germany tonight Dieter has been visiting Kissimmee every March for 30 years and told me he loves visiting Old Town he brought his companion Renate with him. Three ladies from Rochester were thoroughly enjoying themselves with their Kissimmee hostess.

After the Stroll Steve awarded Cruiser of the week to Cruiser #127 Steve & Carolyn Nelson in their '67 Barracuda. Bunny & Rosemary did a great job selling 50/50 tickets a regular spectator, Kimberley, had the winning ticket for the $70 jackpot.

Cruiser #4 Big John was not out so the Cruise-A-Matic goes up to $225 next week. Valvoline did not donate a case of oil this week.

Most of the cars left after the drawings and during the start of the last set but for the most part the spectators stayed.

Thank You to Old Town for inviting us out every week, to the Old Town Merchants Association for sponsoring “The Dukes”, to Out of This World Embroidery/Custom Tags, The Old Town General Store, Knives & Things, Toy Time, Electronic Town, The Gold Hut, Kandlestiks, Wound ‘N Around and Old Town Leather, Valvoline, to Tracy Old Town’s Events Director who brings us the “Little Darlin’s Street Party” event to Gary & Dave our volunteer staff and to all of the Spectators and Cruisers with or without their cars, who come out “Rain or Shine, Hot or Cold” to make this a great evening in our “Home Town”.

See you all Next Week “Same Time, Same Place”

 

It was good to have "The Dukes" back on our stage!

Newsletter #284 is on sale, still only $2